The Gutenberg Printing Association of Nigeria (GUPPAN) has called on the federal government, especially the Minister of Information, to as a matter of urgency intervene in the current ugly affairs of Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPN) and resolve the lingering leadership crisis ravaging the printing institute.
The President of the Association, Mr Adekunle Adebambo made the call in his missive to The Factual Nigeria last week, calling on the Minister of Information and National Orientation, who he said is empowered by Act 24 of 2007 to act now by convening a Stakeholders’ Meeting to address and resolve the lingering leadership crisis in the institute.
Adebambo raised alarm over what he describes as the systemic failure of regulation in the Nigerian printing industry, laying the blame squarely on the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON).
According to the GUPPAN President, the institute has become a “paper tiger,” unable to fulfill its core mandate due to prolonged internal dysfunction.
He lamented that since 2008, the institute has been effectively hijacked by individuals who treat it as their personal association, rather than upholding the standards expected of a true chartered professional body, stressing that such mindset has undermined the very purpose for which CIPPON was established and continues to hinder the progress and proper regulation of the industry.
In his word, the GUPPAN president said “What many perceive in the printing industry as a crisis is, in truth, a dispute between two factions who resemble armed robbers quarrelling over stolen loot, each blaming the other for not securing enough to share, while the rightful owners stand robbed and blamed.
“When we critically examine the individuals responsible for the ongoing disharmony within the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPN), it becomes evident that many of them neither possess formal certifications in printing nor hold any significant investment or sustainable stake in the industry. Yet, they cling to leadership positions, fueling litigation and chaos across the country.
“Their actions mirror the biblical story of two women who gave birth around the same time and lived in the same room. One, through carelessness, smothered her child during the night. Upon discovering her son dead, she stealthily swapped her lifeless child with the other woman’s living son. In the morning, a bitter dispute ensued, which was taken before King Solomon. When asked to resolve the matter, Solomon proposed to divide the living child in two. The woman whose child had died agreed—preferring that no one have a living child. But the true mother, out of love and wisdom, pleaded that the child be given to the other woman, trusting that truth would one day prevail.
“In the same way, those destabilizing the CIPPN today do so because they have no real connection, emotional investment, or future in the profession. Their obsession with endless legal battles stems not from a desire to build, but from a readiness to destroy, simply because they have nothing meaningful to lose”.
He however expressed optimism that thing can still become normal in the institute. He said “…But we remain hopeful and confident that in due course, the leadership of CIPPN will return to qualified professionals, individuals with genuine certifications, real investments, and a true passion for the growth and integrity of the Nigerian printing industry”.
He also raised concern that those instigating instability in the industry have no long-term stake in the future of printing in Nigeria. “They are content to tear down what they did not build, because they have nothing to lose”, Adebambo said.
He however urged all factions in the industry to embrace dialogue. He said “GUPPAN has always stood as the loving father figure, unwilling to watch the industry descend into dysfunction. We have, in the spirit of love and unity, made repeated attempts to bridge divides. Unfortunately, our efforts are often resisted by those who see the printing industry as nothing more than a means for short-term gain. These are business opportunists who prioritize “bread and butter” over long-term sustainability and professionalism.
“Litigation, as history has shown, never yields sustainable peace. It only deepens wounds. In every legal battle, someone walks away injured. Therefore, we call on all factions to abandon confrontation and embrace dialogue. Peace—no matter how delayed—is only ever achieved at the negotiating table.
“We are calling on the government, and particularly the Minister of Information and National Orientation who is empowered by Act 24 of 2007, to do something now. The time to act is now. We urge the Ministry of Information to grant CIPPN the necessary recognition and oversight by convening a Stakeholders’ Meeting to address and resolve the lingering leadership crisis. A properly managed CIPPN is the cornerstone of a peaceful and progressive printing industry. And peace in the industry is peace for all”.
